History of the Louis Vuitton lock

Etoile Luxury Vintage
2021-05-21T11:53:14+02:00

The Louis Vuitton lock is probably our most loved product ever. When we receive a new vintage batch of these precious padlocks, they are sold in the blink of an eye.

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One of the most loved Louis Vuitton accessories ever

The Louis Vuitton lock (with key) is probably our most loved product ever. When we receive a new vintage batch of these precious padlocks, they are sold in the blink of an eye.

That does not surprise us at all. Louis Vuitton makes the most beautiful bags that every woman gets greedy for. The bags themselves are absolutely beautiful and the padlocks make them even more fantastic. You can wear the small lock as a bag hanger, on your chain (the most pretty Louis Vuitton necklace ever), or as a key ring. How can you not love this Louis Vuitton accessory?

A little history of the Louis Vuitton lock

More than 130 years ago, in 1886 to be precise, Louis Vuitton and his son George first developed the locks. Not because they wanted to make beautiful locks so much, although nowadays that is unbelievable, because these small accessories have become absolute must-haves.

The reason they started making locks is quite simple: luggage was very often stolen by thieves and Louis Vuitton and George wanted to assure their customers that their belongings would be safe in their suitcases. And they were right: according to George, it was absolutely impossible to open the locks. He was so convinced of the quality of the locks that he challenged Houdini to crack them, but the the famous illusionist did not dare to take the challenge. In 1901, Louis Vuitton released its signature padlock that has now become a super popular accessory. So popular that they are widely copied.

How can you recognize a real Louis Vuitton padlock?

Louis Vuitton is the most counterfeit brand in the world. Of course, there's nothing more grim than finding out that your fancy bag or even the lock is a fake. So, here are some things you need to know to quickly tell if the Louis Vuitton lock is real or fake.

First of all, the logo on the front. I don't have to tell you that quality is all about the details. That's why we love design so much, don't we? At Louis Vuitton these details are also stamped on the lock: the ™ symbol in the logo is centered between the V and the U, the O is wide and round, the L has a short tail and two Ts in Vuitton touch each other almost every other.

Then turn the lock and notice the stamp on the back as that's one of the most important (and easiest) ways to find out if the lock is genuine. Louis Vuitton padlocks have three back stamps: Louis Vuitton - Paris - Made in France

Never buy a padlock that says "Louis Vuitton made in Paris". It's absolutely fake. "Louis Vuitton Made in" is always followed by a country, never by a city. Nice to know: the padlocks with "Made in France" are the oldest locks out there. Later, when Louis Vuitton started making their bags in different countries, they also changed the stamps: Made in Italy, Made in Spain, Made in USA and Made in Germany.

The locks all have their own unique number, which makes it much less attractive for thieves to steal the luggage. The number on the lock refers to the key: 3xx if the padlock was made before 2009 and 4xx if it was made after 2009. That specific number can be found at the bottom of the lock. It seems so logical, just in case, the key should have the same number as the number on the bottom of the lock.

And one last thing: watch out if your vintage lock shines like a mirror: padlocks age like silver and take on a more matte finish instead of a high gloss.

The meaning of the numbers on the lock

So, what did we get our hands on? This time we only have the newer locks with key you all love so near and dear! Juist to remind you: locks that start with 3xx where made between 1990s and 2009, and locks starting with 4xx were made after 2009.”

With all this knowledge, you are almost a Louis Vuitton expert! That makes shopping even more fun!

Do you want to score the Louis Vuitton lock? From time to time we have these beautiful locks in stock. With key or without key. In gold or in silver. You can contact us about the availability of this fantastic Louis Vuitton accessory.

Do you want to see our other beautiful vintage Louis Vuitton pearls? Than take a look at our webshop!

With love,

Amber and Millie

Sources:
Asos
Boutique SecondLife
The Vintage Bar